EQUIPMENT
CORNER
21st Century Fitness Planner
By Gregory Florez
A few years ago during an IDEA conference, a well-respected futurist told several thousand fitness experts that they would be carrying around information about their clients on handheld "computer devices" within 10 years. Among the murmurs in the audience that day were several outright rejections of new technology. First, the futur...

specialties
BY JESSIE JONES, PHD
y now you've heard that the older population is expected to increase significantly in number and longevity. Because of this projected growth, fitness specialists throughout the world have been identifying ways to promote an active lifestyle and decrease the number of years people live with chronic disabilities. One of the most effective ways to reduce the onset of...

Since older adults are so diverse in their abilities, fitness levels, health conditions and interests, it is not realistic to use one assessment battery for everyone. However, a thorough review of each older-adult client’s health status—including current health conditions, past surgeries/injuries, medications and goals—is appropriate. This information helps determine which types of assessments an individual may need, as well as which particular assessments to perform.

In a recent statement, the American Heart Association has recommended that physicians become more involved in discussing patients’ physical activity levels.
Published in the association’s journal Circulation (2013; doi: 10.1161/01. cir.0000435708.67487.da), the statement expresses concern regarding the general population’s lack of physical activity.

fpo
newsletter_teaser: Taking the time to perform fitness assessments for your members is invaluable. People like to see numbers and get a baseline of their current fitness level. Assessments give you a way to track and evaluate their progress.

Group exercise remains a popular option at fitness facilities, and instructors are being stretched to teach in smarter and more strategic ways. In one class you may have a multitude of experience levels, physical abilities and personal motivations. While this generates a unique energy, it also creates a challenge—and may make it more difficult to provide a safe, effective environment for everyone.

As a facility owner or manager, you know that ongoing monitoring can be essential if you want to contribute to your members’ fitness and wellness for the long term (Goldman 2012). A significant way to help people succeed in their fitness goals is to provide ongoing fitness assessments: measurements and tests that combine to determine an individual’s physical fitness.newsletter_teaser: As a facility owner or manager, you know that ongoing monitoring can be essential if you want to contribute to your members’ fitness and wellness for the long term (Goldman 2012). A significant way to help people succeed in their fitness goals is to provide fitness assessments.